#SoCaltech: Julia Greer

“I have a huge attachment to [Sergei Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2]. It’s supposed to evoke the entire spectrum of feelings and emotions, and it’s my job as soloist to lead the audience through that journey with me—working with the conductor who leads the orchestra to match that energy. Everybody has a different instrument and a different way they think of this piece, but the idea is to bring them all to unity.

“In many ways, it’s like running a research group: I have a certain vision for how the group should be, but everybody comes with their own ideas, their own backgrounds. My group, in particular, is very diverse and interdisciplinary—even for Caltech. We have students from chemical engineering, materials science, applied physics, a lot of mechanical engineers and medical engineers with different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. I cherish that. That’s part of what makes our group so successful—when we work together productively, the output is greater than the sum of its parts.

“So the analogy is pretty apt between leading a team and playing with an orchestra—but I have to say it’s much more nerve-wracking to be playing a solo with an orchestra.”

Julia R. Greer is the Ruben F. and Donna Mettler Professor of Materials Science, Mechanics and Medical Engineering; Executive Officer for Applied Physics and Materials Science. She will perform as piano soloist playing Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2—mvt.1 with the Caltech Orchestra on Saturday, November 15, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, November 16, at 3 p.m. in Ramo Auditorium.

#SoCaltech is an occasional series celebrating the diverse individuals who give Caltech its spirit of excellence, ambition, and ingenuity. Know someone we should profile? Send nominations to magazine@caltech.edu.